Don’t Be This Guy
Clean Pull, pausing 3 seconds just above knee + Hang Power Clean 1-1-1-1-1-1-1
EMOTM 6 Minutes:
5 Squat Cleans (50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 65%, 65%)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zkxT37V0JE&feature=player_embedded
Josh Golden, owner of CrossFit Grover Beach really blew it last week. After posting a score which tied him for first place in 13.2, a video of his amazing performance appeared on youtube. Normally this would be a good thing, but it was apparent to CrossFit HQ that Josh did not follow the standards set forth in the movement standards video for 13.2. You can watch the video yourself and decide what rules he did or didn’t break.
The point here is that Josh, his judge, and whoever it is who filmed him all were oblivious to the rules set forth by the CrossFit Games. Because of this, an outstanding athlete was thrown out of contention and his entire affiliate is suffering as the are banned from validating scores the remainder of this year. This means everyone at the affiliate must submit videos, or compete at another gym. This is all due to their own coaches ignorance of standards and blatant disregard for the rules of this competition.
The point of showing you this is so you realize the seriousness of the situation. It is your responsibility as both a judge, and as an athlete to watch the videos and know the standards of each and every workout. YOU are a participant in this competition and it is no one else but your responsibility to make sure you are well informed and in complete understanding of the rules of the competition. Do not perform the WOD, or judge another athlete if you have not watched the video and are not completely clear on the standards. If you are competing, have your judge check your movements before you perform the WOD. If you are judging, ask your athlete to show you their movements and transitions. If there is anything you think might be fishy or tricky, it is probably not allowed. There are good strategies, but there are no shortcuts.
It is unfortunate that this all went down the way it did. Josh is an unbelievable athlete, and I do not believe he was trying to be dishonest, its just that he didn’t do his due diligence. I do feel the punishment was harsh and CFHQ is making an example of him, but it was his own fault. I also believe that there are many people skating by who did not post a video of themselves and I question any score above 11 rounds in this workout as having met the correct movement standards. The really unfortuante consequence of this whole deal is that good athletes are probably going to be less likely to post their own videos going forward.
Let this be an example to you, and please have the respect for your fellow competitors to educate yourself each and every week on proper movement standards and rules. Even though this is fun for most of you, it is also a serious event. Whether judging or competing it is your responsibility to recognize and uphold the standards of movement
